The Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Imam Yunus Olushina Teliat, has dismissed allegations linking him to terrorism and other criminal activities, describing the claims as false, malicious, and orchestrated attempts to tarnish his reputation.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Islamic cleric expressed concern over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Ahoro, Esin-Ele, and Yawota communities, urging both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.

The Chief Imam reiterated his longstanding opposition to terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes, noting that he has consistently condemned such acts in sermons, lectures, and public engagements. He added that he has repeatedly advocated strict punishment for individuals found guilty of such offences.

Reacting to the allegations circulating online, the cleric warned bloggers, vloggers, and social media users against associating his name with criminal activities without evidence. He disclosed that his legal team has already begun taking action against those responsible for what he described as defamatory and libelous publications.

The religious leader further vowed to pursue all available legal remedies against anyone who continues to spread the allegations, insisting that the claims are baseless and intended to damage his integrity.

He concluded by praying for the safe return of the abducted victims and for lasting peace and security across Nigeria, reaffirming his commitment to promoting justice, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of human lives.

Ogbomoso Chief Imam Denies Terrorism Allegations, Threatens Legal Action Against Defamers

Katsina Confident of Rescue as Search Intensifies for Retired General, Wife

The Katsina State Government has expressed optimism that retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife, who were recently abducted by armed bandits, will soon regain their freedom as security agencies intensify coordinated rescue operations across the state.

The retired senior military officer and his wife were kidnapped along the Matazu axis of Katsina State, an area that has witnessed repeated attacks by armed criminal groups operating across parts of the North-West.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, said ongoing security operations had reached an advanced stage, raising hopes of a positive breakthrough in the coming days.

According to the statement, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has directed all relevant security formations to prioritise the safe rescue of the retired general and his wife, alongside other victims currently held in captivity.

Preliminary findings by security agencies suggest that the abduction was a targeted and carefully planned operation. Authorities disclosed that intelligence gathered so far indicates the victims may have been monitored and trailed from Kaduna State, where they reportedly departed before the attack occurred.

Security officials described the development as evidence of increasingly sophisticated tactics adopted by armed groups in the region, noting that kidnapping networks are now relying on improved surveillance and coordinated planning to execute abductions.

The government said this emerging pattern has necessitated a more advanced response strategy, combining ground operations, intelligence gathering, and technological surveillance tools to track the abductors and locate the victims.

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“We are dealing with a targeted operation, which changes the dynamics of our response,” the statement said, adding that security agencies are working round the clock to ensure a breakthrough without endangering the lives of the captives.

The Katsina State Government reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe return of the retired general, his wife, and other abducted persons across the state, while also vowing that those responsible for the crime would be brought to justice.

It further appealed to residents to support ongoing security efforts by reporting suspicious movements and providing credible intelligence that could assist rescue operations.

Authorities confirmed that collaboration among the Nigerian Army, Police, and intelligence agencies has been strengthened, with joint operations intensified across known criminal corridors believed to be used by the abductors.

The government also urged the family of the retired general and residents of Katsina State to remain calm, assuring them that all available security resources are being deployed to ensure a successful rescue operation.

Meanwhile, security sources say operations are ongoing across identified escape routes, as troops and tactical units expand search efforts into border communities where kidnappers are believed to be hiding.

The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed banditry and kidnappings for ransom continue to pose major challenges to security forces despite ongoing military offensives.

Katsina Confident of Rescue as Search Intensifies for Retired General, Wife

Troops Foil Attempted Kidnap of Pastor, Wife in Plateau

Troops of Sector 5 under Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an attempted kidnap of a pastor, Ayuba Bitrus, and his wife, Nanman Bitrus, in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, successfully rescuing the couple after a swift response to a distress call. The incident occurred late on June 5, 2026, at Faggem Village in Tarangol District of the local government area. Security sources identified the victims as Pastor Ayuba Bitrus and his wife, Mrs. Nanman Bitrus.

Troops deployed under Sector 5’s operational patrol responded swiftly to a distress call indicating that armed kidnappers were attempting to abduct the couple. The intervention by the troops reportedly forced the assailants to abandon the operation and flee the area. “The troops responded promptly to the report and engaged in efforts that compelled the kidnappers to abandon their mission and escape. The victims, who sustained injuries during the incident, were rescued and immediately evacuated to Dung Clinic in Bokkos for medical attention,” the sources said. The sources added that security personnel have launched efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects. They reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to protecting lives and property across Plateau State and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

The successful rescue operation comes amid heightened security challenges in Plateau State, where kidnapping for ransom has become a persistent threat to residents. Just a day before this incident, on June 4, 2026, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued six travellers who were kidnapped along the Hawan Kibo–Rafin Sanyin Road in Riyom Local Government Area of the state. In that separate incident, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers intercepted a commercial passenger vehicle conveying passengers from Lafia, Nasarawa State, to Jos, Plateau State. The Media Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Chinonso Polycarb Oteh, confirmed that troops of Sector 6 responded swiftly to a distress call and successfully rescued six of the abducted victims. Efforts were ongoing to rescue the driver of the vehicle, who remained missing at the time of the report.

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Operation Enduring Peace, the military Joint Task Force operating in Plateau State, has been intensifying its efforts to curb insecurity in the region. In early May 2026, troops of the operation uncovered two illegal arms manufacturing factories in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area, arresting five suspects and recovering a large cache of locally fabricated weapons. The recovered items included nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, four welding machines, and other industrial equipment used in weapon fabrication. The operation, carried out by the Quick Response Force under Operation Enduring Peace, followed “highly intensified, comprehensive human intelligence gathering and strategic surveillance,” according to a statement by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh. The military noted that the raid formed part of ongoing efforts aimed at disrupting the supply chain of illicit firearms and protecting law-abiding residents within the Joint Operations Area.

Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, has repeatedly warned against all forms of criminality in the state. During a stakeholders’ engagement held in Shendam Local Government Area in late May 2026, he emphasized that the military would not tolerate any loss of lives, cattle rustling, or destruction of farmlands arising from farmer-herder clashes. “We cannot continue to tolerate violence resulting in the loss of lives as a result of farmer-herder conflict,” the GOC said, speaking through the Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace, Brigadier General Senlong Sule.

As of the time of this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the attempted kidnapping of Pastor Ayuba Bitrus and his wife, and security agencies have not released further details regarding the identity of the fleeing suspects or the specific injuries sustained by the rescued couple. However, security sources confirmed that efforts to track down the assailants remain ongoing. The successful rescue operation highlights the effectiveness of rapid response mechanisms being deployed by security forces across Plateau State. Residents have been urged to continue providing timely and credible information to assist security agencies in their efforts to protect lives and property.

Troops Foil Attempted Kidnap of Pastor, Wife in Plateau